[email protected] Manufacturing RFID animal identification since 2009
Knowledge Guide

Visual ear tags and RFID ear tags

Published 2022-05-25Raybaca IOT Technology

What Each Tag Type Actually Does

Visual ear tags show a number by sight. They help small farms track animals by eye but require manual record keeping. RFID ear tags store a unique digital ID that a reader can access without touching the animal. This enables automated tracking from birth to slaughter and supports digital farm management systems.

How Material and Design Support Longevity

Both visual and RFID ear tags use TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) material sourced from BASF or BAYER. This material resists biting, freezing, UV exposure, and weathering. The design includes anti-bite features and a lightweight, compact shape that stays secure on an animal's ear for years.

When to Choose Visual Tags

Use visual ear tags on small farms with fewer than 100 animals where manual record keeping is manageable. They are low cost and simple to apply, but they do not support automated data capture or integration with digital systems.

When to Choose RFID Tags

Use RFID ear tags on farms that need to track animals through feeding, vaccination, movement, slaughter, or sales. The digital ID can be read at a distance with a handheld or fixed reader, and data flows into animal management software for full traceability.

Customization and Data Management

Both tag types support laser printing of numbers, custom logos, and colour selection. RFID tags go further by storing a unique identification code that can be read and written. They work with applicators and readers to enable automated data entry and integration with farm management software.

Product Ranges Mentioned Here

Related Products

Questions on This Topic

Can I use a visual ear tag with an RFID reader

No. Visual ear tags have no electronic chip and cannot be read by an RFID reader. They are purely for visual identification.

Do RFID ear tags work with the same readers as pet microchips

Only if they are the same frequency. Pet microchips use low frequency at 134.2 kHz. RFID ear tags can be low frequency (134.2 kHz) or ultra high frequency (860-960 MHz), so the reader must match the tag's frequency.

Can I print custom numbers and logos on the tags

Yes. Both visual and RFID ear tags support laser printing of custom numbers, logos, and colour choices. The material is designed to hold printed details without fading.

Are the tags resistant to animal biting

Yes. The tags have an anti-bite structure and are made from durable TPU material that resists chewing and tearing.

Do the tags work in extreme weather

Yes. The TPU material is anti-freezing and UV-resistant, designed to survive outdoor conditions for years on livestock ears.

Put This Into Practice on Your Own Operation

Send us the animal, the quantity and where the read has to happen, and we will recommend the tag and reader that match what you just read.